How to Remove a Starter From a 1994 Ford Thunderbird
by Christian Killian
Removing the starter from your 1994 Ford Thunderbird allows you to test the starter, rebuild it or replace it. If the starter is defective, you can get a replacement starter motor from most auto parts stores. If you suspect the starter is defective, you can have it bench-tested, after removal, at most auto parts stores. Removing the starter requires you to work from under the car to access it so be sure to use a set of jack stands rated for the weight of your Thunderbird.
Step 1
Open the hood of your Thunderbird and locate the negative battery cable. Remove the battery cable end from the battery using a wrench to remove the retaining bolt. Isolate the cable from the battery to ensure no current comes through the wires on the starter.
Step 2
Raise the front of the car with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Position the stands under the frame so that they can securely support the weight of the car.
Step 3
Locate the starter under the passenger side of the engine. It is a cylindrical-shaped motor with a smaller cylinder on top. There are two wires at the rear of the starter, and it bolts to the bell housing at the back edge of the engine.
Step 4
Disconnect the push-in connector from the back of the starter solenoid by depressing the locking tab then pull the connector straight out of the starter solenoid. Remove the retaining nut on the rear of the starter solenoid with a wrench then remove the large wire from the terminal. Push both wires aside for now.
Step 5
Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the starter motor to the bell housing. Loosen both bolts with a socket and ratchet then remove the lower bolt completely. Support the starter motor with one hand and remove the upper bolt. Slide the starter back, allowing the nose of the starter to clear the hole in the bell housing.
Step 6
Lower the starter straight down and remove it from the engine compartment. Carefully remove the starter from under the car.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manual 1989 to 1997 Ford Thunderbird/Mercury Cougar;" John Haynes; 1997
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Ratchet
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
